OUR CLIMATES and SOILS

Rogue Valley - Established AVA 1991

• Considered one of the hottest growing regions in Oregon.
• Approximate rainfall: 20-35 inches annually.
• Similar to France’s Bordeaux region, its warm dry climate benefits Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Malbec and Syrah.
  
• Soils range from sandy loam to hard clay.

• Warmer and drier than the neighboring Illinois Valley but not as warm as the Bear Valley area which follows the I-5 corridor.
  
• The Applegate Valley is home to Bordelaise varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in addition to Syrah and Chardonnay.
  
• The Applegate, Illinois and Bear Valleys are considered all sub-sections of the Rogue Valley.
  
• Soils include decomposed granite derived from stream terraces and alluvial fans.

Illinois Valley - Not an official AVA

• It’s higher elevation and coastal influence creates a micro-climate suitable for Burgundian varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  
• Additionally the climate is highly agreeable to Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Muscat.
  
• Soils consists of stream-deposited sand, silt and gravel, bench gravel deposits, and glacial moraines.
  
• Climatically the area is influenced by the high elevation and marine effect.

Umpqua Valley – Established AVA 1984

• Oregon’s oldest viticulture region is considerably cooler than the Rogue Valley
• The area also has the highest annual rainfalls within the SOWA boundaries – 52.5 in Elkton and 33.5 in Roseburg.
  
• This climate lends itself well to the Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Viognier and Grenache and the Spanish Tempranillo, Albariño and Graciano.
  
• Temperatures may vary as much as 60° in the summer.
• The valley consists of a wide range of soils including alluvial, terrace and upland.

Southern Oregon - Established AVA 2004

• Comprises the Umpqua, Applegate and Rogue Valleys.